poison ivy

: a common plant in the central and eastern U.S. that has leaves which cause a very itchy and painful rash on your skin if you touch them

: the rash that is caused by poison ivy

Full Definition of POISON IVY

1

a: a climbing plant (Toxicodendron radicans syn. Rhus radicans) of the cashew family that is especially common in the eastern and central United States, that has ternate leaves, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an acutely irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash

Examples of POISON IVY

Illustration of POISON IVY

First Known Use of POISON IVY

poison ivy

Definition of POISON IVY for Kids

: a usually climbing plant that has leaves with three leaflets and can cause an itchy painful rash when touched

2

: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Medical Dictionary

poison ivy

noun\-ˈī-vē\

Medical Definition of POISON IVY

1

a: a climbing plant of the genus Rhus (R. radicans synonym Toxicodendron radicans) that is especially common in the eastern and central United States, that has leaves in groups of three, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an acutely irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash b: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy; especially:poison oak 1b